British Columbia’s 41,000 public school teachers walked off the job on June 17 after a weekend round of bargaining between the union and government failed to reach agreement on a new contract.

The two sides have said they would continue talks during the strike, although they remain far from a deal.

The teachers, who have worked without a contract since June 2013, are seeking an 8 percent pay increase over five years and a $5,000 signing bonus. They have been offered just a 7 percent bump over six years and a $1,200 signing bonus, provided the deal is inked by June 30.

The two sides are also at loggerheads over a host of noneconomic items, including reducing class sizes, increasing supports for students and hiring badly needed specialists in the schools.

Vancouver Sun, June 17

CBC News, June 10, 12, 16, 17